Sexualidade e perversão na psiquiatria de Krafft-Ebing

Abstract

In 1886, focusing onthe study of sexuality to be utilized in the courts and starting from the presentation, classification and analysis of numerous cases of deviant sexuality observed over the years of own (or others)clinical practices, the german psychiatrist Richard von Krafft -Ebing (1840-1902) published his most important work - the Psychopathia Sexualis- and articulates a new perspective for the study of sexuality in general. Although influential and widely discussed by his contemporaries, the interest in the work of Krafft-Ebing decreased considerably during the following centauries and in the present days only a few studies are dedicated to this subject . This paper describes and discusses, in its historical and conceptual aspects, the approach of sexuality in the works of Krafft-Ebing, through an internal analysis of the conceptual architecture of his major works and authors that influenced or were influenced by him.